Children and Youth

Welcome to the Catholic Community of St. Joseph Religious Formation Program.

We strive to meet  the needs of the individual child; to create an atmosphere where development can occur and where respect, dignity and faith in God can be nurtured.

This development will be guided by parents and volunteer teachers who teach the students through instruction and example.  We believe that through understanding of Catholic doctrine and practices, the student will form Catholic principles and attitudes which will lead him or her to the kingdom of God.  Our objectives are to proclaim the message of the Gospel, to offer personal experiences in living through liturgy, prayer, guidance, example and service, to provide the climate and materials necessary for this to happen.

Religious Formation Program

All children in grades 1 – 8 should be enrolled in our religious formation program every year. Sacrament Preparation is provided for Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. * A student preparing for the sacraments will receive instruction during the regularly scheduled class sessions for two years. Details, dates and requirements for these sacraments will be provided at parent meetings.

*Please note that any baptized child (grades 4 – 7) who has not been enrolled in formal religious formation previously and has not received their sacraments at the traditional time, will be placed in an ungraded class to be held on Sunday mornings (approximately 10 classes from October to April. In addition,he/she will attend class on Tuesday evening with their appropriate grade level.  

Class Times and Locations

• Grades 1 – 4:  Meet  at the Parish Center from 5:15 – 6:30 PM (Tuesdays)
• Grades 5 – 8:  Meet at the Parish Center from 7:00 – 8:15 PM ( Tuesdays)

Registration

Current families

Registration packets will be sent home with  religious formation students in April and also provided in the back of the church and at the parish office.  Sign ups begin each April for the next year.  Please register as soon as possible to avoid late fees.

New families

Please contact the parish office (908-756-3383 Ex. 11) and speak to Barbara Chippendale, Religious Education Secretary, to register your child.  A copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate is needed at registration time.  If necessary, an appointment will be scheduled with the Parish Catechetical Leader, Katie Frame.